Navigating the SAT- Tips from The Cuda Community

By: Tomas Cortazar 

The SAT can feel like a huge challenge, standing in the way of college goals. But with the right plan and mindset, it doesn’t have to be so overwhelming. Knowing the test format is a great first step. The SAT has sections on Reading, Writing & Language, and Math, with specific types of questions and time limits. Learning what each section looks like helps ease the nerves because you know what’s coming. Understanding how many questions are in each section and how much time there is makes it easier to prepare and avoid surprises on test day.

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Doing well on the SAT isn’t just about knowing the material—it’s also about being smart with strategies. If you’re stuck on a question, use the process of elimination to rule out answers that are clearly wrong. This makes it easier to pick the right one, even if you’re unsure. Alongside these strategies, don’t forget about self-care. Simple things like drinking water, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks while studying can make a big difference in how well your brain works, both while preparing and on test day.

At Don Soffer, the PrepScholars program is an amazing resource for extra help. For just $10 on My School Bucks, it offers lessons that focus on key skills in Reading, Writing, and Math. The program also gives practice questions that feel like real SAT problems and tips for staying calm, managing time, and learning prominent strategies for the test.

There is a sense of teamwork that comes with studying for the SAT, in which reflects the strong community at Don Soffer. Preparing for the SAT can feel lonely, but there are always ways to get support. Here at Soffer, students are constantly giving each other tips on questions, studying interactively, and even suggesting the best tutors for the exam. One of these tutoring programs being "Peace of Pi": an intense yet extremely effective SAT program that has helped Soffer students increase their scores drastically.

Moreover, study groups, sharing notes, or even encouraging words from friends or teachers can make the process feel less stressful. The SAT may be taken individually, but preparing for it is something that’s better done as a team.

At its core, the SAT isn’t just about a number on a score report. It’s a chance to show the effort, skills, and growth that have been built over time. Sharing tips, suggesting resources like PrepScholars, or offering support can help someone feel more prepared and confident. Barracudas, you are not alone in this fight for SAT- greatness!